PROTECTING THE SHIP
What steps can shipowners take to protect themselves and their vessels? The short answer us that there are scant internal measures that a merchant ship can take to protect itself against a threat such as an inflatable boat headed for it loaded with a mixture of weedkiller and fuel oil.

However, if shipowners take the ISPS code as a blueprint for protecting their
ships (rather than as a bureaucratic requirement to collect various certificates), then there are number of very practical things that can be done to make ships secure againsta number of threats.

According to the UK P&I Club, good security needs teamwork and requires everyone on board to help protect and secure their environment.
"Security—Shared Response" is the underlying theme in an eight-page supplement within the club's latest "Loss Prevention News" (downloadable at http://www.ukpandi.com).

The supplement shows examples of how owners, officers and crew have developed preventive measures to tackle growing concerns about onboard security.
The supplement highlights the importance of first lines of defense, checking on visitors, electronic surveillance, keeping a watchful eye on non-crew personnel, focusing on secure entry points, locks and coded key pads, control of sensitive areas and other aspects of maintaining awareness.

There are plenty of illustrated examples of security measures taken by Club members, including securing the gangway, monitoring movements, record keeping, baggage checking, body screening and searching, radio communications, cameras, lighting, video displays, recording devices, notice board information, crew badges and ID, and locked barriers to entry into various parts of the ship.
The UK Club stresses the need for practical security drills, record keeping, audits and procedure updates. "Behind it all is the need to share information and knowledge—constantly refining and reviewing methods and equipment to achieve the highest possible standards," says the Club.

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